Travelling by train from Paris Gare De Lyon provided a fabulous sense of freedom and adventure whilst passing through the snow-capped towns of Chambery and Modane and created a fascinating start to our trip. After experiencing 5 hours of French countryside and stunning views of the Alps we arrived in Turin.

Once through the doors of Porta Susa Station we discovered traditional Italian architecture, patisseries and vespas scooting hazardously through the cobbled streets. We travelled by tram to the Piazza Castello, a grand and majestic square steeped in history and filled with young and old Italians alike enjoying gelati and energetic conversation with their peers.

We strolled through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the Italian life and passing numerous baroque palaces, wine bars and pizzerias. Stopping in a quaint antique and deli market we purchased a selection of traditional delights such as red pesto and biscotti biscuits. The bustling streets of Via Po led to the picturesque River Po perfectly presented with a backdrop of the mountains. From here, we discovered the Parco del Valentino, dotted with fountains and enjoyed by couples and families walking in the fresh air and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere outside the city.

If you are lucky as us to visit Turin in March you will discover “CioccolaTo”, the world-renowned Chocolate Fair in Piazza Vittoro Veneto combining 50 or more stalls filled with the greatest array of colours and styles of chocolate imaginable. Free tasters are a very welcome bonus to this Italian treat!

For the cultural traveller, there is plenty of historic architecture, museums and art galleries to entertain the mind. We ventured to the impressive Castello di Rivoli which lavishly represents the Savoy families’ wealth and is home to contemporary art from across Europe. For the shopaholics among us, the Via Garibaldi and Via Roma provide a pleasant atmosphere at which to marvel the Italian shoes and clothes and there are plenty of attractive antique shops to discover throughout the city.

I can not possibly fail to comment on the wonderful cuisine sampled during our visit. A traditional style of eating is “apertivo” and is the perfect way of sampling a variety of Torino delicacies including risottos, pastas, salads and olive oil doused breads. Porta Palazzo boasts one of the largest European outdoor markets and offers a wide variety of foodstuffs to impress your friends and family on your return. Café Torino within the Piazza San Carlo is the perfect place to enjoy a “bicerin” (a hot chocolate coffee) and a “gelato”. This is not the place to visit if you are hoping to lose those few extra pounds!

After 3 days our journey concluded with a brief 2 hour flight from Torino Airport back to London Gatwick. We will forever have wonderful memories of our trip and I would not hesitate to return to Turin at any time of year!

Travel by train through the Alps and enjoy a Turin city break.

Tags: Italy, Turin | Posted in: Italy, Turin | Author: Stephanie